Dive Summary:
- A striking worker at Potomac Disposal in Montgomery County, Md., on Wednesday morning was struck by a garbage truck driven by a non-striking worker, turning demonstrations violent as other strikers went after the driver, who was charged with failing to control speed to avoid a collision.
- The violence was allegedly precipitated by strikers chaining a gate shut Wednesday morning and ultimately led to a collision between a responding police officer and a commuter; a meeting between both sides was also called off as a result.
- The strike began Monday as 50 workers walked out, asking for better healthcare and wage increases and claiming the company is demanding proof of legal status.
- The workers planned to return to work Wednesday, but were reportedly told to walk back out; state Sen. Roger Manno has demanded that the company fix the problem and stop using immigration to intimidate workers or to get out of his country.